Question : Development of New UTs of J&K and Ladakh

(a) whether the creation of two Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh after abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution has opened new vistas for the development and progress in this region and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether putting the State Government employees at par with Central Government employees will provide better health and education and other facilities to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether a delegation of teachers from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh recently met the Personnel and Public Grievance Minister and demanded for creation of an autonomous independent education commission for the UTs, transfer policy and DPC of all cadres in the school education department bodies;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Union Government in this regard;

(e) the funds sanctioned and released by the Government in the UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh for various developmental works since its creation; and

(f) whether the Government proposes to open eight medical colleges in the UTs and two AIIMS in Jammu and Kashmir and Srinagar and if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be done?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

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L.S.US.Q.NO.3610 FOR 10.12.2019


(a): The Government of India has been fully committed to the overall development of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir as well as the newly created Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the newly created Union Territory of Ladakh. On account of article 35A and other constitutional ambiguities, the people of these regions were denied full rights enshrined in the Constitution of India and other benefits of various Central Laws that were being enjoyed by other citizens in the country. After the declaration issued by the President under Article 370, based on recommendation of the Parliament, and reorganization of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir into Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh, all such aspects have been addressed and therefore the Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions can develop and progress like other parts of the country.

(b): Yes, Sir. Certain 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) allowances namely Children Education Allowance, Hostel Allowance, Transport Allowance, LTC, Fixed Medical Allowance that were not being given to nearly 4.5 Lakh State Government employees in the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir have been approved for an estimated cost of Rs.4800 Crores, for all such employees, who are now working in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh, since the day these new Union Territories came into existence i.e 31st October 2019.


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L.S.US.Q.NO.3610 FOR 10.12.2019

(c) & (d): Yes Sir, A delegation of teachers from Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh met the Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions (PPG&P) on 12th November 2019. The delegation was informed that since the newly created UTs have come into existence, all the 7th CPC pay and allowances will be available to all the Government employees of both the new UTs.

(e): After the creation of the two UTs on 31st October, 2019, a total of Rs.14559.25 crores as the balance share of 14th Finance Commission grants, share of taxes etc. that were being given to the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir has been apportioned amongst the two new UTs. Out of this, Rs.2977.31 crores has already been released to the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and Rs.1275.99 crores has already been released to the UT of Ladakh till date.

(f): Yes, Sir. Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the Government has approved establishment of eight medical colleges in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions. These medical colleges, which are under various stages of implementation, will come up in the districts of Doda, Kathua, Baramulla, Anantnag, Rajouri, Udhampur, Handwara (Dist. Kupwara) in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and the district of Leh in the UT of Ladakh.

The Government has also approved creation of two AIIMS like institutions in Jammu and Srinagar.
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